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Job title: Investment manager, Investment New Zealand

Thirteen years overseas didn't diminish 36-year-old Warren Mar's love for New Zealand. And it also gave him a good idea of how we are perceived by the rest of the world - knowledge that he's putting to good use as the new investment director for Investment New Zealand.

INZ is the Government's newly created investment promotion agency, and reports to the board of Industry New Zealand.

Its aim is to boost long-term direct foreign investment in New Zealand in the IT, biotech, woodprocessing, film and creative industries, and niche manufacturing.

Mar's role is about researching overseas markets and working with local industries to put together irresistible cases that will convince overseas money to park here.

Mar, who is Auckland born and bred, graduated with a commerce degree and started his working life with a two-year stint at the Reserve Bank.

He went overseas in 1989, expecting to be away for two years.

But instead he ended up working in investment banking in England, Singapore and Hong Kong until his return last September.

"I was stunned by the developments that have taken place in New Zealand," Mar confesses. "And this is why I am so enthusiastic about the job.

"There are a number of companies which are competing internationally, and have world-class techniques and business practices, here in New Zealand".

This week, aiming to catch overseas businesspeople in town for the America's Cup, INZ hosted a two-day "investment regatta" at the Hilton Hotel to woo foreign investors.